Sculptures Inspired by Quantum Physics

Sculptor/physicist Julian Voss-Andreae works at the intersection of science and art. His latest work is a series of sculptures designed to help us better understand quantum physics. Above is “Father” from the series “Spin Family (Bosons and Fermions)” 2009, steel and silk, 7″ x 6″ x 6″. The big idea:

After struggling with quantum physics for the last hundred years we cannot escape the fact that there simply are no consistent mental images we can create to understand the world as it is portrayed in quantum physics, because our brains are exquisitely adapted to making sense of the world on our scale, as perceived through our unaided senses. My hope is that the unique ability of art to transcend the confines of logic and literal representation and to offer glimpses of something beyond can help us open up to a deeper understanding of the world and to wean ourselves from the powerful grip classical physics has had over the last centuries on our every perception of reality.

That one is “Night Path” (detail), 2009, painted steel and gold thread, 18″ x 19″ x 6″. There’s some more of his art here.